Iron Maiden's Plane Transports Tourists

An airplane used by Iron Maiden on their world tours has been called in to transport holidaymakers from Scotland due to a mechanical problem with another jet.

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Iron Maiden's customized Boeing 757, which is emblazoned with their logo and the flight number 666, is owned by Astraeus airlines, where front man Bruce Dickinson is also registered as a pilot.

The jet is used by the airline as a commercial plane when the group isn't on tour - but staff normally remove the Iron Maiden sign.

But Thomson Airways bosses had to call the vehicle in at the last minute to transport tourists from Edinburgh Airport to destinations in Greece and Turkey after another jet was grounded.

A representative for Astraeus airlines tells The Scotsman, "Normally our planes are always plain white so they can operate for any airline. Iron Maiden have just finished the overseas leg of their world tour and the plane has gone straight into use, as a plane being used by Thomson Airways had some mechanical difficulties and has been taken away for repairs. That's why we haven't had a chance to take the logo off."

A Thomson Airways rep adds, "It has been quite interesting for them, definitely. It's a little different to what you normally see on the Tarmac. We will be using it for the next few days on short-haul flights to destinations such as Paphos in Greece, and Dalaman in Turkey."